A September survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states suggests improving economic conditions.
The September Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America
Region rose for the first time since May. The increase was slight, to 56.3 from 55.8 in August and 60.8 in July. But survey organizers say the results likely means economic conditions will brighten in the months ahead, with little chance of a double-dip recession.
The report uses a collection of indexes ranging from zero to
100. Any score above 50 suggests economic growth in the next three to six months, while a score below 50 suggests a contracting economy.
States in the survey are Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas,
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
